After filing for bankruptcy a decade ago, former NFL star Warren Sapp landed a role with the Buffs. Deion Sanders hired the former Buccaneers DT as graduate assistant coach in April this year. As he prepares for a new beginning in Colorado, Sapp had a proposition for Coach Prime while subtly hinting at his own financial situation.

Sanders surprised fans with a revamped version of “Must Be the Money,” his 1994 hit. He even bust out some dance moves alongside Snoop Dogg, a longtime friend, in Death Row Records studio during a session a few days ago. This isn’t just a nostalgia trip; Coach Prime is partnering with Snoop and Death Row Records for a brand new “Must Be the Money 24.” But as he gears up for his latest music venture, Sapp recalled Coach Prime’s first foray into music and pitched an idea as well.

In a June 4 Well Off Media video, Warren Sapp told Sanders, “It was all about the money,” referencing Deion’s 1994 single, during a training session. Sapp even had a business proposal for Coach Prime — “I have a perfect tune, ‘Rookie Cardio,’ you see, I sent it to you.” With a laugh, he elaborated on the song’s concept: “Perfect tune, Yankee with a nice Eazy-E up there.” Referencing Eazy-E’s signature curly hairstyle, Sapp joked, “That’s why I didn’t get no Curl. I ain’t have no money. You need money to keep that!”

Although the conversation seems light hearted, Sapp may be hinting at his financial situation which hasn’t been in perfect health ever since he went bankrupt in 2012.

Warren Sapp achieved success as a defensive tackle in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders). During his 13 years in NFL, he accumulated a fortune of over $40 million. However, Sapp’s financial management was not prudent. His extravagant spending, such as purchasing a $1,200 lion rug and $6,500 worth of Jordan sneakers, and a $2,250 watch ,contributed to his financial downfall.

Court filings indicated Sapp’s assets totaled $6.45 million against a debt of $6.7 million, including loans and child support, which eventually led to bankruptcy despite his initial wealth.

His struggles continued afterwards as he was fired by NFL Network in 2015 after being arrested on misdemeanor charges. Sapp worked as an analyst with the Network for seven years, before his contract was terminated. Then in 2020, BetUS announced Warren Sapp and Brian Jones as the hosts of the weekly podcast “BetUS Unfiltered”. After a stint which involved interviewing celebrities like Derrick Johnson and Adam Schefter, Sapp joined Sanders at the Buffs as a graduate assistant coach this year, a position that comes with relatively little compensation. This is in stark contrast to the financial health of the Sanders’ clan.

Deion Sanders, who is the highest-paid coach in the college football world, is worth a massive $45 million. His son, 31-year-old Deion Sanders Jr., holds a net worth of around $5 million, according to Sportshive. His wealth primarily is derived from his creation, Well Off Media. The YouTube channel, which monitors the behind-the-scenes and the nitty-gritty of the Buffaloes squad, has reportedly accumulated a large fortune. Though the exact amount is unknown, the estimated net worth of the channel is between $64.3k and $386k.

However, for Sapp this a new beginning, one which he will be eager to make the most of.

Warren Sapp hopes for a fresh start

Now, after a decade of financial struggle, Sapp is hoping for a change in fortunes with Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes. The NFL legend is put in an entry-level graduate assistant role because of his lack of coaching experience. This means his starting salary is just over $12,000 per month. 

Sapp had told the team he was a “senior quality control analyst,” but CU confirmed that he has been hired as a graduate assistant. This will allow him to work on the field coaching the players, while he is currently enrolled in graduate level to continue education classes at the CU Boulder Graduate School.

Although he hasn’t coached in the past, the Buffs will hope that his vast NFL experience will help them put on an improved show this season.

While his impact on the team remains to be seen, it looks like Sapp might need some serious financial management lessons this time around to stretch this new, modest income. And music could just be a calling for him!